After some time away, I returned to Bimini just in time for a dolphin trip. Unfortunately, there wasn’t time to prepare the MVA, but I took advantage of the chance to take some still photographs for our ID catalog. A group of 7-8 Atlantic spotted dolphins were soon seen just off the bow! In this group were Swoosh (#36), un-named #25 and this as-of-yet un-ID’d adult, all with what appeared to be their own calves. Un-named #91 was also in the group and all of the dolphins were playing each other and the plentiful seaweed.

On the way home we also got a chance to watch White Blotch (#29), her older calf (#94) and an un-ID’d adult ride the bow for 6 minutes. There is another trip tomorrow; I can’t wait! 

Until then,

Kel

Sunday’s dolphin trip was, well, incredible. The seas were flat clam and the water was crystal clear – well, except for what looked like jellyfish post-blender. We headed out on the early side (14:21) and by 14:58 we had at least 25 dolphins in our sights. They were on the move, but I was able to ID Romeo (#10), White Blotch (#29), Lil’ Jess (#35), Lone Star (#56), Billy (#64), and un-named #78. Here, you can see #78 making sure he’s noticed! We were in and out of the water throughout the day, but during the longest underwater encounter I recorded lots of un-named #84 and two other very young juveniles, all female. Back on the boat, I also saw Finn (#09, once again with Romeo) and un-named #17, 24 and 75. Soon there were bottlenose in the group and I spotted Nemo (#76) playfully biting at a bottlenose dolphin’s peduncle! A group about 10 spotted dolphin broke away from the mixed-species group, including Niecey (#48), her calf (#92) and again, un-named #24 and 75. 

With the busy season basically over, this trip was a great way to end the main research season. Now I’ll catch up on data processing, prepare for the October Biennial Conference on Marine Mammalogy and hope for sporadic dolphin trips to learn more about what the animals are doing in DCP’s off-season. 

If you are looking for a way to support DCP, check out our name-a-dolphin program – un-named #78 (pictured here) needs a name! Looking for something more hands-on? Join me in Bimini in May 2010! Click here for more details.  

Thanks to everyone who has been following our research in Bimini! And, as always, a HUGE thank you to the boat operators in Bimini, without whom we would not be able to complete our research. Thank you to Bill & Nowdla Keefe's Bimini Undersea and Al Sweeting Jr.

Until next time,

Kel

Today’s surprise dolphin trip was the 60^th of 2009! At first glance, I thought the sea conditions were going to result in a bumpy ride, but I was pleasantly surprised. We had to be patient today as we waited for the dolphins. First, we saw two spotteds and I believe Tina (#14) was one of them. They were surfing the small swells though and did not show any interest in the dolphin boat. Shortly after that we saw another group of dolphins. This time it was two bottlenose dolphins, but soon we realized that there were several spotteds with them. I think that un-named #79 may have been there, but am sure that Lone Star (#56) was. It was great to see her! Unfortunately, the underwater visibility was uncharacteristically poor and the dolphins were on the move, so we did not get any underwater observations. I’ll be waiting until next time! 

Until then,

Kel

While the seas have not been completely flat, they have been much more enjoyable than earlier this week. So, we thought for sure we would see some of Bimini’s spotted dolphins. On Thursday we had a part exciting, part frustrating day (at least it was for me). We did see a group of 6 spotted dolphins and although guests (and myself) did not get a good look at the dolphins underwater, we did enjoy the show from the boat. But, here’s the exciting part: I am suspicious of these dolphins. By that I mean that I suspect they may not have been “Bimini” dolphins at all. There was an atypical coloration pattern on a young individual and distinct markings on two of the adults that I was not familiar with. The frustrating part? They didn’t come close enough for me to document their markings with photo or video. So, I’ll have to wait to see them again – and hope my memory doesn’t let me down. 

On Friday, we had a rare morning dolphin trip. Because we do not have very many in the early part of the day, I never know what to expect. The water was a beautiful Bimini blue at high tide and late in the trip we saw a group of at least 18 bottlenose dolphins! It was amazing to see such a large group and exciting to see an older calf among them. I have plenty of dorsal fin photographs to sort now! This week will be quiet in terms of boat time. Although I will miss being on the water, I will appreciate some much needed down time – and time to catch up preliminary data analysis and entry. 

Until next time,

Kel

The latest issue of DCP's newsletter the Dolphin Gazette is now out! Ecotours, field courses and updates abound!
Dolphin Gazette - August 2009 (819 Kb)

The strong east winds finally quieted this afternoon. It was much appreciated! The boat guests first enjoyed a snorkel at the “3 Sisters” before we headed into the “dolphin grounds.” It was a much more comfortable boat ride, but unfortunately, we did not see any dolphins. Hopes are high for tomorrow though – and the weather forecast is even better! 

Until then,

Kel

As the boat prepared to depart the harbor, squalls were looming on the horizon. Luckily, we didn’t get anything more than a sprinkle. We were soon snorkeling at the Bimini Road (aka Atlantis) and the winds calmed to almost a whisper. Unfortunately, the calm seas did not last long and things got a bit bumpy as we tried to search for dolphins. Our commitment was rewarded with a view of at least 3 (possibly 5) bottlenose dolphins. Although this sighting was short, I suspect that TtID28 was there! There are more dolphin trips scheduled throughout the week – I hope the winds die down! 

Until then,

Kel

Friday began with a presentation to a group of students from Chicago City Day School aboard the Coral Reef II. The group was filled with enthusiasm for both dolphins and the days of exploring the marine biology of the Bimini area that lie ahead of them. Thank you for your great questions and I hope your trip is going great!

 I spent the rest of Friday working on data entry before enjoying a much needed day off on Saturday. Today I’m keeping a close eye on the tropics as Tropical Storm Ana and Bill are now out there. The forecast for the week is a bit windy, but hopefully it will calm down enough to continue to search for dolphins. Today’s trip was a bit short and a bit bumpy, and even though we did not see dolphins, this week’s passengers are hopeful for the remainder of the week! 

Until next time,

Kel

Today’s trip did not disappoint. The boat passengers enjoyed another snorkel at the Bimini Road. But, soon, it was time to search for dolphins. We were lucky enough to come upon a group of Atlantic spotted dolphins at 1803. There were at least 4 individuals; I think that Freckles (#15) and Cleopatra (#41) were in the group with two youngsters, but I’ll need to confirm when reviewing video. After approximately 15 minutes observing the group under water, off they went. As we traveled back toward Bimini, we kept our eyes open, hoping for more dolphins (not to be greedy ;-). And guess what?! We saw another, larger group at 19:05. Included in this group were Lone Star (#56), Stefran (#82), un-named #92 (believed to be the calf of Niecey #48). It is possible that Cerra (#38) was in the group along with several calves. What a great week! 

More trips soon,

Kel

On Monday the group headed out and began their dolphin trip with a snorkel at Bimini Road, aka Atlantis. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, but they were most excited for dolphins. We searched and searched, but unfortunately, we did not see any dolphins....Although disappointed, we all agreed that it was a beautiful boat ride and looked forward to another trip.

So, on Tuesday the boat headed out a slightly earlier. And – we were not disappointed! We saw scattered spotted dolphins early and were thrilled to watch as they leapt through the air in pursuit of prey. We didn’t see exactly what kind of fish they were, but soon, the feast was over and it was time to observe the group underwater. All of the people had a nice interaction with the dolphins, which included Lumpy (#17), Lone Star (#56) and un-named (#91). For my part, I was able to confirm that ID#91 is in fact female! We also got a quick glimpse of Lil' Jess (#35) on the bow of the boat.

 Until next time,

Kel